THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY

If you’ve watched World Champion and Olympian Alysa Liu skate recently and felt goosebumps, there’s a reason. Behind that calm power and creativity on the ice is a coach who understands what pressure really feels like—and how to turn it into possibility.

After years inside the elite world of U.S. figure skating and Olympic-level training in Colorado Springs, that experience has quietly made its way to Traverse City. The road here winds through family ties, unexpected moments (including a run-in with Jack Nicklaus at The Bear), and a growing sense that excellence doesn’t only belong in big cities.

In this episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast, we talk about what it takes to coach world-class athletes, why relationships matter more than medals, and what happens when Olympic-level wisdom shows up in Northern Michigan.

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Offer:  I’d be happy to buy anyone an ice cream cone who comes by to say hello…ask for ERIK SHULTZ at a local McDonalds and mention  his The mostly Traverse City Podcast episode!

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Some people visit Traverse City. Others lean all the way in.

Drawn by the things we love most—water in both its liquid and solid forms—this story is about someone who didn’t just arrive, but fully immersed himself in the community. A competitive curler and the father of nationally ranked young athletes, he found his way here and quickly found his place.

But passion alone doesn’t build something lasting. Bringing sharp business instincts, leadership experience, and exactly the right skills at exactly the right time, he’s helped elevate the Traverse City Curling Club into one of the premier curling facilities in the country. This episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast is about showing up, leaning in, and what happens when the right people meet the right place.

[email protected]    [email protected]   www.tccurling.org

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Some people leave Traverse City and never look back. Others leave, build empires, and keep finding their way home.

This episode features someone who knows a thing or two about ambition—and loyalty. From washing dishes in fifth grade to co-founding multi-million-dollar businesses by his early 30s, he’s done it all. Along the way, he met his secret sauce—his wife, Joy—and never lost sight of the town that shaped him.

Now living in Arizona, he returns often, supporting local causes, cheering on high school wrestling, and quietly reminding everyone what it means to stay connected. This is a story about roots, resilience, and how a Trojan stays a local at heart.

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Watch the previous episode with Kyan! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388207/episodes/17248026 

Traverse City native Kyan Olshove grew up ripping local trails with Norte Youth Cycling, laying the foundation for a career that’s taken him from Northern Michigan to the national racing stage. Now one of the country’s top off-road cyclists, Kyan was recently named to the elite Life Time Grand Prix, a milestone reserved for the sport’s best. A familiar name at ICEMAN Cometh, he continues to race with grit, gratitude, and deep hometown pride — proving big talent can come from small-town trails.  

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Corey Birchmeier is the operating partner of Fleet Feet Traverse City, where he helps people find the perfect shoes to support their goals—whether they’re longtime runners, new walkers, or anyone dealing with stubborn foot pain. Driven by a passion for health and community, Corey leads walking, running, and training groups that meet people where they are and keep Traverse City moving. His mission is simple: help the community grow stronger, one step at a time.

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Peter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows up before he does, a laugh that fills a room, and a belief that everyone is worth greeting. He’s proudly loyal to every local team—Trojans, Titans, Glads, and Tigers—and famously competitive, especially when volunteering, where he holds records few will ever beat. His story is even more remarkable considering he began life with little chance of survival, growing instead into someone whose impact on this community is immeasurable. Peter is truly one in a million, and his joy, grit, and generosity shine throughout this episode.

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Cathy is the founder of Step Up Northern Michigan, a local nonprofit that supports six school-based food and basic-needs pantries throughout the region. Food insecurity and lack of transportation create significant barriers for many students and families, often limiting students’ ability to reach their full potential. For more than a decade, Step Up Northern Michigan has partnered with Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition to provide fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and proteins to these pantries.
With over 30 years of experience in education, Cathy is a passionate advocate for young people navigating challenges—often through no fault of their own—on their path to adulthood. She brings a deep understanding of how schools function and how to thoughtfully navigate the relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the broader community.
Cathy and her husband, Sean, are the parents of six children and grandparents to two. In her free time, she enjoys playing (and watching) tennis, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.

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Jordyn Ross, I’m the Development Director at Mt. Holiday, where I lead fundraising, sponsorships, and community engagement to support our mission of providing accessible year-round recreation for all. My focus is on building strong partnerships, expanding donor support, and developing programs that connect local families, youth, and organizations to the mountain and ensuring Mt. Holiday remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.

Before joining Mt. Holiday, I spent more than a decade in finance and leadership as a CPA, Financial Planner, and Mortgage Broker, helping individuals and businesses build long-term financial success. My experience in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and community-centered program development helps to sustain and grow our impact. Originally from Minnesota, I attended Northern Michigan University, where I fell in love with the Northern Michigan community and outdoor culture. Today, I’m passionate about giving back through youth ski programs, community partnerships, and initiatives that make outdoor recreation accessible to all and especially the next generation of local skiers and riders.

MT HOLIDAY IS A BENEFACTOR FOR Cruisin’ for Community in May of 2026….Link to purchase tickets for an amazing evening on West Bay onboard The Discovery! 100% of your ticket sales go DIRECTLY to support Mt Holiday’s mission.

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Tyler Franz is a Traverse City native whose story proves you sometimes have to leave home to truly see it. After years away, Tyler returned with a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the lakes, landscapes, and people that make this place special. Today, he channels that inspiration into two passions that connect him deeply with the community: skateboarding and photography. Whether he’s carving through a local park or capturing the quiet magic of Northern Michigan through his lens, Tyler’s mission is simple — to celebrate the beauty of Traverse City and the creativity of the people who call it home. Follow his work on Instagram @tyler_franz or explore more at tylerfranzphotography.com.

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I was born and raised in Traverse City. Attended Central High School, later on attending NMC and FSU. Working my way through college at Red Ginger, eventually starting with Busters as an installer. I worked these 2 jobs for 3 years, eventually going to just Busters as it grew. Helping scale the business I knew this was a path I wanted to go down. Chris Peron (my business partner) eventually opened Busters Customs in 2021. This business specializes in automotive aftermarket/appearance care. Window Tint, Paint Protection Film, Vinyl Wraps, Ceramic Coatings, Auto detailing and more. Lastly, I am an account executive for 1st National Payment Solutions. I help with onboarding local businesses for merchant processing services. 
I have a wife, Emily Mueller (Weitzel) and beautiful boy, Harrison (11 months) and 2 dogs. We live on the base of Old Mission. Free time/Hobbies consist mostly of Golf and enjoying nature and the beautiful beaches.

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